I. də̇ˈfām, dēˈ- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English diffamen, defamen, from Middle French & Latin; Middle English diffamen from Middle French diffamer, from Old French, from Latin diffamare, from dif- (from dis- ) + fama reputation, fame; Middle English defamen from Middle French defamer, from Old French, from Medieval Latin defamare, alteration (influenced by de- ) of Latin diffamare — more at fame
1. archaic : to harm or destroy the good fame of : make infamous : bring into disgrace
my guilt thy growing virtues did defame — John Dryden
2. : to harm the reputation or good name of by uttering injurious charges : libel , slander
3. archaic : accuse , charge
Rebecca … is … defamed of sorcery — Sir Walter Scott
Synonyms: see malign
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French defame, diffame, from Old French diffame, from diffamer, v.
1. obsolete : dishonor , infamy
2. obsolete : defamation , slander